Spring is finally here, and with it comes that undeniable urge to refresh and reset. But let’s be honest—when you have a busy family, tackling a full spring cleaning can feel overwhelming. Between work, school, and all the activities that fill up our days, finding time to declutter and deep clean can seem impossible. However, I’ve learned that with a few smart strategies, it’s possible to get the house in order without losing your mind. Here’s how we make spring cleaning work in our home.
Start Small and Build Momentum
The biggest mistake I used to make was thinking I had to clean the entire house in one weekend. That approach always left me exhausted and frustrated. Now, I break it down into manageable tasks. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, I start with one area—whether it’s a single closet, a drawer, or just one corner of a room. Once I see progress, I gain momentum and feel encouraged to keep going. Even just spending 15 minutes a day on decluttering can add up quickly.
The One-Year Rule
One of the best hacks I’ve ever used is the one-year rule. If we haven’t used something in a year, it’s time to let it go. This applies to clothes, kitchen gadgets, toys, and all those random items that seem to pile up. I involve the kids in this process, too. If they haven’t played with a toy or worn a piece of clothing in a long time, we donate it. Not only does this help clear space, but it also teaches them about giving to others.
Decluttering as a Family Activity
Getting the whole family involved makes spring cleaning so much easier. I assign each child a task based on their age. My younger one helps with sorting toys and putting away books, while my older one is in charge of wiping down surfaces and organizing his room. We put on fun music and turn it into a game—who can clear out the most items in 20 minutes? Adding an element of fun keeps the kids engaged, and it turns a chore into quality family time.
Tackle One Category at a Time
I used to try decluttering room by room, but I’ve found that focusing on categories works better. One weekend, we go through clothes. Next, we focus on books. Then it’s time for kitchen items. This approach prevents the process from feeling scattered and overwhelming. It also makes it easier to see what we truly need and what we can get rid of.
The “Keep, Donate, Toss” Method
One of the simplest and most effective methods I use is sorting items into three categories: keep, donate, and toss. Anything that’s in good condition but no longer serves us goes in the donation pile. Items that are too worn out get tossed. The rest stays. Having clear guidelines makes the decision process easier and prevents me from second-guessing everything.
Organizing Hacks for Every Space
Once we declutter, it’s time to organize. In the kitchen, I use clear bins to group similar items together—snacks in one bin, baking supplies in another. In the kids’ rooms, we use labeled baskets for toys, making it easy for them to put things away. The entryway is another high-traffic area that easily gets messy, so we set up a simple system: a basket for shoes, hooks for backpacks, and a designated spot for keys and mail. These small tweaks make a huge difference in keeping the house tidy.
The Power of a 10-Minute Reset
Even after a deep spring clean, maintaining a clutter-free home can be a challenge. That’s why we’ve started doing a nightly 10-minute reset. Before bed, everyone spends 10 minutes putting things back where they belong. It’s amazing how much can get done in such a short time. Waking up to a tidy house in the morning is one of the best feelings, and it sets the tone for a productive day.
Letting Go of Perfection
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned about spring cleaning is that it doesn’t have to be perfect. My home is lived-in, and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to create a picture-perfect house—it’s to make life easier and more enjoyable. Some days, the kids’ rooms will still be messy. Some days, the laundry will pile up. And that’s fine. What matters is that we’re creating habits that help us feel more in control of our space.
A Fresh Start
Spring cleaning isn’t just about getting rid of clutter—it’s about creating a home that feels fresh, functional, and welcoming. With a little planning, some teamwork, and a willingness to let go of what no longer serves us, we can transform our spaces without the stress. And the best part? Once the hard work is done, we get to enjoy a home that truly feels like a place of rest and renewal.